New Zoo Enrichment Programme - Piano for the Otters & Harmonicas for the Bears [VIDEO]

The Smithsonian Museum National Zoo, in Washington has this week launched a new animal art and music enrichment program - designed to enhance the lives of its inhabitants.

The pioneer study involves providing art and music supplies to the animals - including harmonicas for the bears and elephants, paint supplies to the parrots, a xylophone for the orangutan enclosure - and an electric piano for a communal jam in the otter cage.

‘The enrichment activities are designed to allow animals to demonstrate their species-typical behavior, to allow them exercise control or choice over their environment and to enhance their well-being,” a zoo spokesperson has explained

SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM NATIONAL ZOO | ENRICHMENT PROGRAM | OTTERS | ELECTRIC PIANO

SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM NATIONAL ZOO | ENRICHMENT PROGRAM | CLOTH BEAR | HARMONICA

SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM NATIONAL ZOO | ENRICHMENT PROGRAM | ORANGUTAN | XYLOPHONE